Clearing operations after this January’s snow and ice storm cost Arlington County upwards of $4.5 million.
The county’s response to the Jan. 25 winter storm — including hauling over 2 million pounds of snow from commercial corridors, clearing over 900 bus stops and running emergency operations for 165 hours straight — far exceeded the Department of Environmental Services’ base budget for snow operations.
A small mountain of snow and ice has risen over one block of 14th Street N. in Courthouse as large-scale clearing efforts continue around Arlington.
County crews have hauled over 2,500 truckloads of icy debris, which some are calling “snowcrete” because of its density and how difficult it is to remove it, since this weekend’s storm.
Arlington’s snowplows moved into the final phase of their cleanup efforts today (Wednesday), but sidewalks and streets littered with blocks of snow persist in many places.
County crews are now in Phase 4 of storm response, clearing ice off roads, school grounds and county property, including designated trails. Waste collection will also return on a limited basis tomorrow, only for trash and recycling carts.
Arlington’s snowplows have progressed through about three-quarters of the county’s residential roadways, though frigid temperatures after the heavy snowfall continue to pose challenges.
County Manager Mark Schwartz asked for residents’ patience and understanding as the county continues to plow streets, noting the unusual difficulties crews are facing.
Heavy sleet has continued throughout the afternoon in Arlington, bringing total accumulation up to over half a foot.
The National Weather Service warned of impacts on morning commutes in an update this afternoon, advising that “travel could be nearly impossible” as a result of the sleet, snow and possible freezing rain later today. ARLnow measured 7 inches of snow and sleet in North Arlington as of 2 p.m.
Arlington’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee is pressing county and state leaders to do more to keep public walkways clear after winter storms.
Committee members have agreed to send a letter with a list of suggestions to County Manager Mark Schwartz, hoping to potentially improve conditions this winter or in future years.
As Arlington’s fleet of snowplows rumbled to life after this weekend’s snowfall, the vehicles bore a new set of playful names submitted by local residents.
They’re just as pun-packed as last year’s.
As the days get chillier, Arlington County is looking for a new flurry of winter wit to name its fleet of brine trucks and snowplows.
The “Name that Plow!” competition — which produced more than 1,200 responses in 2024 — is back for its second year, seeking out punchy suggestions for the 60 names that will appear on the county’s snow and ice map if Arlington gets more than two inches of snow.
Snow is continuing to heap up in Arlington, bringing a flurry of closures and changes — as well as dangers for anyone caught out in the storm.
The county has activated its fleet of fancifully named snowplows, with a total of 70 currently available, county spokesperson Katie O’Brien told ARLnow. They cleared about 30% of residential streets on their first pass this morning, and the county expects to continue operations throughout the day and into tomorrow.
You’re waking up to a snowglobe world of plows and closed offices.
Some 4-5 inches of snow have fallen so far, as of 8:30 a.m., with more expected for the next couple hours and then later today.
Who will you be listening to the next time it snows in Arlington — Saline Dion or Taylor Drift?
The results of Arlington’s snowplow naming contest are in, with puns aplenty.
From “Snowy-Wan Kenobi” to “#FlakeNews,” Arlington is seeking suggestions on whimsical names for this year’s fleet of snowplows.
Members of the public have until Monday, Oct. 21 to submit “the most clever and pun-filled (yet appropriate) names” for the plows that will clear the county’s streets in the event of at least two inches of snowfall.
